Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted ERP knowledge bases, allows organizations to save time and money, achieving better and more reliable/fully-documented decisions, a quantum improvement over the widely-used subjective process of selecting complex enterprise software...

Abstract: Dynamic efficiencies can help companies combat margin erosion and cope with compressed product lifecycles. By shifting from advanced planning to adaptive planning, enterprises can increase their top and bottom line. Integrating the demand planning network, optimizing the supply chain network, and strengthening execution planning will help this move to adaptive planning and eliminate pockets of waste.

Abstract: Supply chain planning involves functions such as demand forecasting and planning, distribution inventory planning, and plant capacity planning and scheduling. The right mix of strategy, education, and systems can have a very high impact on a manufacturer’s overall operations—and ultimately its bottom line. Understand how supply chain functions such as demand and inventory planning can positively impact your company.

Abstract: Regardless of their functional or departmental roles, people participate in multiple planning activities. The objective of integrated business planning is to bring together and improve the accuracy of the disparate strands of forward-looking activities across a corporation in order to foster internal alignment and enhance agility. Discover what you can do to improve your company’s planning and budgeting activities.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, regulated, and in a permanent state of change. Customers demand instant attention, while suppliers require comprehensive leading edge services with regard to their products. Regulatory authorities require that the industry keep up to date with regulations, following them to the letter. Competitors are always inventing new ways to gain market share, while e-business presents new opportunities and challenges. All the while the pressure to reduce prices and to shorten order cycles is high. Pharmaceutical wholesalers comprise the lifeline within the pharmaceutical industry, providing continuity of supply and facilities for storage. They also offer a range of supporting services, such as information technology systems and product withdrawal notifications, which form an essential part of the total healthcare package. These companies and institutions all operate in an environment where speed and efficiency may mean the difference between life and death. However, the industry has a number of specific requirements that are critical for achieving success in the distribution sector.

Abstract: The challenges that face the manufacturing industry today are also opportunities. Manufacturing is being revolutionized in its processes, routines, and ways of doing business through the growing emergence of order driven production methods. This shift towards demand driven manufacturing is emerging in tandem with the larger currents caused by globalization. This cross industry brief focuses on the manufacturing industry from the standpoint of a demand driven IT solution and is aimed at manufacturing and distribution businesses. It describes some major market trends and issues, provides an overview of IBS supply chain solution, and offers details on how the IBS solution for demand driven manufacturing can address current needs of the industry.

Abstract: Once reserved for the upper echelons of senior management, succession planning is being redefined as a key component of board-level strategy. But if succession planning was easy, everyone would be doing it. The problem that exists today is that succession planning is barely automated, let alone optimized. This chief executive officer (CEO) guide provides five key tips for jump-starting your succession planning efforts.

Abstract: The requirement that enterprise software vendors deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI) has never been greater than right now. Customers are demanding that ROI analysis be a critical factor in their decisions to acquire new enterprise software. Without a demonstrable return, few customers are willing to invest scarce capital and human resources in new enterprirse software. A more complete analysis of return can be had by looking at the overall payback that enterprise software can offer to a company. Enterprise software payback includes not only quantifiable improvements in bottom and top line functionality, but also more qualitative measures-—such as new business opportunities, improved customer and partner relations, and improved time to market—-that contribute significantly to the success of a company's enterprise software implementation and use.

Abstract: Effective resource management not only impacts profitability, it generates loyalty that translates to competitive advantages in recruiting and retaining the best people. System inefficiencies, however, often make it difficult for businesses to find time to improve their resource management processes or upgrade their systems. Find out how these five steps can help your business in its resource management planning efforts.

Abstract: The textile industry is famous for its very different characteristics when compared to industries in either process or discrete manufacturing. Developing production planning and scheduling software for any textile mill is a real challenge even for seasoned industry experts. This article focuses on some of the unique challenges posed to master requirement planning and master production scheduling (MRP / MPS) software vendors by the textile industry.

Abstract: The S&OP game plans drive coordination of supply chain activities based on planning calculations. The primary coordination engine-termed the master scheduling task-generates a set of requirements data and suggested action messages, and the system supports multiple sets of requirements data for simulation purposes. Further explanation starts with a review of all demands and supplies considered by planning logic, and then proceeds to an overview of the planning calculations.

Abstract: Most of the manufacturing software vendors have planning and scheduling software which assume either infinite production capacity for calculating quantities of raw material and work in progress (WIP) requirements or infinite quantities of raw and WIP materials for calculating production capacity. There are many problems with this approach. This paper discusses the pitfalls of this approach and how to avoid these by making sure that the software you buy indeed takes into account finite quantities of required materials as well as finite capacities of work centers in your manufacturing facility.

Abstract: To provide useful financial insight on projects, financial managers need to think about business strategy more like a series of options than a single projected cash flow. While the concepts of options are certainly familiar to most executives, the trick to valuing strategic choices lies in the complex and often overwhelming task of understanding the interaction between strategic options. This article provides a breakthrough planning approach for (1) rapidly realizing the business capabilities dictated by strategy (2) aligning process, technology and organization design and (3) through the financial lens of 'real options' shows how to quan

Abstract: System planning is the Achilles’ heel of a data center physical infrastructure project. Planning mistakes can propagate through later deployment phases, resulting in delays, cost overruns, wasted time, and a compromised system. These troubles can be eliminated by viewing system planning as a data flow model, with sequenced tasks that progressively transform and refine data from initial concept to final design. Learn more.

Abstract: Structured planning can make all the difference to your business’s growth. But are you using the right tools? Spreadsheets may not be meeting your financial management and budget planning needs. Find out the risks of using spreadsheets as a planning tool, and how enterprise performance management can help consolidate your departments’ financial information and budgets to give you real-time views of business performance.

Abstract: Planning is a crucial management discipline that enables organizations to optimally allocate their finite resources, and achieve maximum potential. The more intelligently these resources are allocated in response to changing conditions and objectives, the better the business will perform. Indeed, improved business performance is why so many companies are aggressively evolving their planning processes and embracing planning best practices.

Abstract: Companies still struggle to close the gap between strategy and day-to-day operational decisions, particularly when they over-complicate planning with practices delving too deeply into their business. A key issue is thus the consolidation of actuals into planning, and the visibility of details for specific plans and assumptions. This points to a need for more strategically aligned “planning and performance” approaches.

Abstract: There’s a buzz in the automotive industry around the concept of “strategic workforce management”—getting the right people, for the right job, at the right time, to improve overall business results. Strategic workforce management goes beyond the traditional role of human resources: it’s a strategic initiative and competitive weapon to help today’s automotive companies drive corporate goals and objectives.

Abstract: Proper maintenance planning is the first step in moving from a reactive to a proactive mode. Yet organizations continue to struggle with establishing proper planning processes. This paper provides back to basics perspective on the key elements of maintenance planning.